Introvert Revolution: Leading Authentically in a World That Says You Can't

by Andy Johnson

Are you a more introverted leader? If you're like fifty percent of the population who identifies as introverts, you already know the struggle. In the West, it can be difficult for introverts to rise as leaders within organizations. They are constantly told to be more outgoing, happier, and better on-the-spot thinkers. Basically, they're encouraged to become extroverts.
Introvert Revolution confronts the cultural myth that extroversion is the only version of leadership, helping you grow more into the authentic leader you were meant to become. To be real, to be vulnerable, to be authentic is to let your true self be seen and known, to no longer hide as shame wants you to, but to dare greatly, to be courageous. This is the kind of authenticity we as introverted leaders need to pursue, not just for ourselves but for those we lead and serve. Get to know yourself better as an introvert and understand the bilogical differences that make you the way you are. Join the journey toward personal growth and self-acceptance. Learn how to become a more effective leader, doing so authentically and in harmony with the extroverted leaders around you. There is a brighter and more authentic future as a leader. It begins with personal revolution. It begins with you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Laura Keeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Im not a big reviewer of books, but this book has been eye opening. I flew through it in a couple of days. I always thought I knew myself pretty well, but this book not only taught me more about myself, but how others see, act and make decisions because of temperament. As an introvert who has recently been been discounted because of my reserved temperament (the ever popular phrase, “you’re not outgoing enough” or “you don’t talk enough"), I highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to know more about the introvert/extrovert dynamic and how these traits affect decision making, socialization, relationships, and even information processing. This book explains introversion and extroversion through The Chinese philosophy of yin and yang, and the need for balance of both of these in ourselves, and it the world around us. I was convinced I had a pathology, an inability to assume and to keep up with the extrovert ideal. This book helped me understand and value my quieter side, but also strategies of how to navigate and participate authentically in a world that tends to value the outgoing, cheerful, attention seeking, center of attention extrovert (Quiet by Susan Cain is another great book for this as well, perhaps better in strategies to help create a balance of temperament) Introvert revolution is geared toward leadership, but I think does an excellent of explaining the vast differences in personality and decision making of introverts vs extroverts, the shame that can be associated with being an introvert, and how to take back your pride in advocating for even just yourself.

[Christy Hovey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introverts AND extroverts should read this excellent book. I'm extroverted and wanted to better understand my introverted aquaintances. WOW, this book is so enlightening and informative. Everything I previously thought I knew about introversion was wrong. This book completely blew my mind and I highlighted and marked it up to make sure I could always come back to the points I wanted to review. Mr. Johnson's understanding and explanation of introversion is spectacular, I feel my eyes have been opened on how to relate to my employees, friends, children, and spouse. I learned how the introvert's brain processes information (not better/worse than an extrovert, just different) and I learned not to put them on the spot for a super-quick answer or impromptu brain-storming session but to give them advance notice so they can really think about and process the information at hand. I read a ton of books every week, and I can honestly say this book is one of the best books out there to understand and relate to people (and maybe yourself). Well done, I highly recommend this book!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know introverts will appreciate this book, but I truly hope extroverts will read it as well. In the book, Andy Johnson provides insight into the differences in the wiring of introverts and extroverts, describes how western culture tends to value extrovert behavior over introvert behavior, and explains how organizations can benefit from leadership consisting of both types.

Andy is urging introverts to use their particular strengths to fight a “quiet revolution” to change how the world views introverts. Society will benefit from the balance achieved by having the risk-takers and the cautious planners working together. Introverts will benefit from finally being appreciated for what they bring to the table.

[Michael Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of course it isn't as good or eye opening as Susan Cain's Quiet, but it does build upon it, or at least try to, by providing a framework for understanding introverts and extroverts (and everyone in between), as well as offering practical advice for seeing the value of all and finding ways to work together. Couched in a comparison between Western and Eastern ways of looking at personalities, the book might be off putting to some, but I found most of it well worth exploring.

[Warren Benton · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you unsure about being an introvert this book may help you. The book has been compiled from his own reading and life experiences. A quote I enjoyed from the books "they (introverts) tend to be more realistic or pessimistic and are highly skilled at seeing problems with situations,plans and strategies." The book leans heavily on the eastern view with many references to yin and yang.